Why Your Dog Actually DOESN’T Want a Hug

It’s increasingly difficult if not downright impossible to find a day of the year on which nothing is celebrated. From National Peanut Butter Lovers Day (March 1st) and National Cold Cuts Day (March 3rd) to National Cherry Popover Day (September 1st) and National Salami Day (September 7th), every day of the year is a celebration of something. And patiently awaiting our return from all of the celebrations are our most loyal and trusted canine companions. And why wouldn’t they be, reeking of peanut butter, cold cuts, cherry popovers, and salami as we are?

In honor and recognition of their steadfast loyalty, April 10th is National Hug Your Dog Day, a day to celebrate our furry besties with a little extra pampering or playtime, while keeping the hugs at bay. Turns out most dogs aren’t the biggest fans of hugs. Continue reading to discover why most dogs don’t enjoy being hugged, alternatives to hugging, and the health benefits of simply having a dog.

Dogs Aren’t into Hugging

Studies have shown that most dogs are not the biggest fans of hugging, and my dogs would agree. The little guy is a squirmer and the big girl goes rigid. Why don’t dogs enjoy a hug? “More so with larger breeds, but dogs, in general, do not like to be held tightly as they can feel restrained and even threatened,” explains Madison Chapman, LVMT, at Richland Animal Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. “In many cases, when a dog bites a family member, it’s the result of a misinterpreted hug.”

So what are some of the more appropriate ways to shower our pups with love? “Spend time interacting with and talking to your dog,” Chapman suggests. “Dogs enjoy being a part of the conversation, even if it is rather one-sided, and most dogs enjoy petting and a good scratch behind the ears.”

If your dogs aren’t huggers, you can treat them to some extra belly rubs and ear scratches to celebrate National Hug Your Dog Day. You can take them for an extra long walk or a visit to the local dog park. Regardless of the way you show it, your pup will always appreciate the extra attention.

How Dogs Keep Humans Physically Healthy

Having a dog is one of the best health insurance policies you can have. The physical benefits of caring for a dog include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk of diabetes. A dog trainer once told me that dogs are like toddlers, and if you’ve ever tried keeping up with a toddler, you understand the amount of energy one can expend caring for a dog. From taking them for walks or runs to keeping the house clean and free of dust bunnies and furballs, dogs are rather labor-intensive pets. All of the extra energy expenditures provide dog havers with a cardio boost that lowers their risk of heart disease/heart attacks. And folks who walk their dogs regularly have a much lower probability of becoming diabetic. However, not all of the physical advantages are derived from high-energy activities.

The simple, low-energy act of petting your pup lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Research suggests that petting your dog releases the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin, which accounts for the reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. Petting also reduces cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. Simply talking to your dog can also lower blood pressure. So even more sedentary individuals can experience physical benefits from having a dog.

How Dogs Keep Us Mentally Healthy

Beyond physical health benefits, dogs also provide emotional support. From general anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research has determined that having a dog can bolster mental health. As mentioned above, petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Lower cortisol levels can help lessen feelings of depression and anxiety. Interacting with dogs also raises levels of the hormone oxytocin. Sometimes referred to as the love hormone, oxytocin is critical in establishing and maintaining social bonds. Individuals with lower oxytocin levels have a greater chance of developing a range of mental health issues including depression and anxiety. Even if your dog isn’t a certified emotional support pup, you will still reap the associated mental health benefits that a dog bestows.

Simply by their presence, dogs make us feel less lonely. They also have the uncanny ability to connect us with other dog people, expanding our friend group. Having a dog requires structure and routine, which helps with focus and feelings of being in control, both of which are imperative to positive mental energy. Dogs can also provide their people with a sense of security and safety, which are paramount to reducing anxiety.